Liverpool Sefton Social Investment Bond

Ethical bank, Charity Bank, is seeking to support social enterprises in Liverpool and Sefton via a guaranteed savings fund for private investors, businesses and wealth funds.The money deposited in the new Liverpool Sefton Social Investment Bond will be used to offer loan finance from £50,000 to £2 million to social enterprises and other community organisations that are creating jobs and bringing economic investment, regeneration and development to the area.

While being targeted especially at the StepClever zone comprising of six of the most deprived wards in the country, the fund will be used to invest in charitable and social enterprise organisations throughout Merseyside, where business start-up and survival rates are well below the UK average.

Liverpool Vision's Director of Investment and Enterprise, Mike Taylor, says: 'The problem needs a creative solution and we're confident that we've found in the new Bond, which will encourage social investment, an alternative form of philanthropy, in that people don't have to give their money away to support good causes'. 

Private individuals, charities, trusts and commercial companies can invest surplus funds in the Bond available from Charity Bank, a charity that is also a regulated bank, which uses its depositors' funds solely to invest in and support the social enterprise sector, earning both a financial return and a social return.

The Chief Executive of Charity Bank, Malcolm HayDay, said: 'We're looking forward to working with social enterprises in their mission to transform the future of communities in Liverpool and Sefton but we need the support of depositors to do that. The Bond offers savers a safe, secure and transparent way to support their local community without having to give their money away'.

'It's a great alternative for those who, in this economic climate, might be struggling to sustain their support for charity, because we can use their savings to fund these vital projects, and they can get their money back when they want it. And unlike a donation which once spent, is gone, we can lend the money out again and again while it remains with us'.

Individuals or organisations interested in finding out more about the Bond or loan service can contact Charity Bank's North West based Regional Director, Simon Thorrington at sthorrington@charitybank.org. Alternatively call 01732 774040 or e-mail enquiries@charitybank.org.

Interest Rates for the Liverpool Sefton Social Investment Bond (Gross/AER)*